Statement on the Coryton refinery

Energy Minister Charles Hendry chaired a meeting of interested parties to discuss the future of the Coryton refinery on 2nd February. The meeting took place at the Department of Energy and Climate Change in Central London.

This is the second time the Energy Minister has convened such a meeting since the refinery was placed in the control of the administrators. Local politicians, industry and unions were among those present.

Following the meeting, the Minister said:

‘We have had another positive meeting this afternoon at which the joint administrators updated those present on what they have achieved so far and their planned next steps.’

‘I welcome the progress that the administrators have made. The deal last week that allowed petrol and diesel to be delivered to forecourts from the refinery was a crucial boost, while the crude oil delivery acquired on Tuesday was important to maintaining refining operations. The collaborative approach taken by the workforce and the refinery’s management has also been vital in making these things happen.’

‘There are critical issues to be resolved in the coming weeks. For the long term, I understand there have been over 40 expressions of interest in Coryton from companies around the world, which is extremely encouraging. Work will now focus on securing a sustainable long term future for the refinery.’